State Senate Honors Late Chancellor Gabhart with Resolution

Earlier this month the Senate of the State of Tennessee presented a resolution to the Gabhart family honoring Belmont’s late chancellor and retired president, Dr. Herbert C. Gabhart, who passed away on Sept. 10, 2009.

Senate Joint Resolution No. 675—sponsored by Senators Douglas Henry, Roy Herron and Joe Haynes—was passed several months after Dr. Gabhart’s death, and the official presentation of the scroll was recently made to his family on Aug. 11. Dr. Norma Baker Gabhart, Dr. Gabhart’s wife and a retired professor of psychology at Belmont, accepted the resolution on behalf of the family. Belmont’s Dr. Jason Rogers, vice president for administration and legal counsel, and Mrs. Judy Fisher accompanied the Gabhart family at the ceremony.

The resolution reads in part, “Dr. Herbert C. Gabhart leaves behind an indelible legacy of integrity and probity in public life, compassion and loyalty in private life, and diligence and dedication in all his chosen endeavors… We honor the memory… reflecting fondly upon his bountiful life of academic excellence, his impeccable character and his stalwart commitment to living the examined life with courage and conviction.”

A visionary leader in higher education who was devoted to this university, Dr. Herbert C. Gabhart served as president of Belmont from 1959 until his retirement in 1982, when he accepted the position of chancellor, where he continued to serve until the time of his death. The Gabhart Student Life Center is named in his honor.